The ASCM is …
Open … encouraging spiritual growth through understanding and tolerance of others’ viewpoints.
Ecumenical … welcoming and affirming members from all denominations and valuing the rich diversity of Christian traditions and those of other faiths, while seeking unity in prayer and action.
Active … seeking God’s desire for peace, justice and liberation from oppression throughout the Bible and life of Jesus, and responding to God’s call for conversion of self and transformation of society.
Critical … taking the learning of students seriously and looking to theology, the sciences and the humanities to provide new perspectives on faith and a deeper understanding of truth and life.
The ASCM believes that the Christian faith can stand the test of critical thought. In fact, we believe this is the way to Christian maturity. It is not an easy way, sometimes involving a lot of risk, but ultimately that which is of value will remain and become even more important in our lives.
The ASCM seeks to support students in the quest for a deeper faith, encouraging critical thought by providing stimulation of new ideas, including theology and ethics, and provides a supportive community in which people can explore life and faith. The ASCM requires no adherence to a doctrinal statement.
Logo
The gum leaves form a living cross: the Christ.
The flowering gumnuts form a flame: the Spirit.
The flowers and leaves form a scooping motion, towards the centre where concentric circles, the Creator God, radiate outwards.
Gathered around the circle are a community of people, the SCM, meeting in worship and friendship.
History
Commitment involves both reflection and action, both being and doing. As in the past, we students seek to respond to God’s faith in us:
SCM was instrumental in the formation of the National Union of Students, the Overseas Service Bureau, the World Council of Churches and the Uniting Church.
In more recent times we have been involved in the struggles for the liberation of women, and of gay, lesbian and bisexual people, in the work against racism against both migrant and Aboriginal people and the exploitation of the people and lands of the Asia-Pacific region.
The ASCM seeks to build community through regular meetings, with discussion, speakers, Bible studies and ecumenical worship, sharing meals and collective action for peace and justice … retreats, camps and gathering across the state.
Part of Something Even Bigger!
The ASCM is affiliated to the World Student Christian Federation. We are part of a large international movement, with branches in countries all over the world.
This picture shows how ASCM is structured. Branches are at the top, because without branches there is no movement! In most states/territories, branches are supported by a Development or Staff Worker. Nationally, the task of running the ASCM is divided between 7 volunteer positions (listed in the white boxes in the picture).
At least one representative from each branch should attend the
state/territory Area Council. One person from each Area
Council is on the National Executive. The National Coordinator,
National Treasurer, Minutes Secretary, and Women’s Officer are also on the
National Executive. The A
All members can attend JGC (our Annual General Meeting). The members of the National Executive, along with the WSCF Liaison and Men’s Officer, have voting rights at JGC. However, nearly all our decisions are made by consensus, and everyone is welcome to join in making those decisions.
ASCM is part of the Asia-Pacific Region, whose regional office
is in Hong Kong. The
In the Asia-Pacific Region a Regional Committee Meeting (RCM) is held
every two years. One representative from each
There are four Sub-Regions within WSCF-AP:
- Pacific - Australia, Aotearoa. (Fiji and PNG are not active).
- North-East Asia - Hong Kong, Japan (associate member), Korea and Taiwan.
- South Asia - Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. (Pakistan is not currently active).
- South-East Asia - Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia (associate member), Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
There are six Regions in the WSCF: Africa, Europe, Latin America &
Caribbean, Middle East,
Conferences and Events
As an ASCM member, you become eligible for lots of traveling opportunities! Our branch retreats allow for comfortable relaxing among friends, and fun times with port and chocolate! We also have National Conferences annually, which are hosted by different states each year. These conferences are a great opportunity to get to know other ASCMers from around the country and build up our ASCM community. Through workshops, worship, discussion of social justice issues, prayer, and relaxation, ASCM conferences replenish our desire for active Christian lives of intelligent faith and contemplation.
ASCM members are also eligible for international travel opportunities. We have also sent representatives to WSCF conferences in places such as Korea, Thailand, and India. The wealth of experience and knowledge that these representatives bring back to Australia is shared with the wider movement on their return.
Jobs
Do you have what it takes to work for us? ASCM has entered a new period of its life. In January 2002 we implemented a new model of operating, which relies on volunteers (that's you!).
In the past we have employed a National Secretary who coordinated the life of the National Movement. However, it has become increasing unrealistic to pay someone to do this role. Therefore, the tasks necessary to run the ASCM have been divided up among several volunteers. The following is information about the positions in pdf format.
- National Coordinator
- Treasurer
- Minutes Secretary
- Webweaver
- WSCF Liaison
- JG Editor
- Database Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions/Frequently Wondered Questions (but Rarely Asked)
Thanks to Clare Menck, ASCM has published a list of Frequently Asked Questions/Frequently Wondered Questions (but Rarely Asked).
These questions include:
- “How are you different to other Christian groups on campus?”
- “Are you associated with any particular church or Christian organisation?”
- “What do you actually do?”
- “What do you mean when you say you support gay lesbian bisexual transgendered and intersexed people?”
- “I like what you stand for, but what does Christianity have to do with it?”
- “Where can I find out more about you?”
- “Are you really Christian?”
- “Are you trying to convert me?”
- “If I get involved, will I be pressured to do stuff?”
- “Can I trust you?”
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Download brochure pdf (760kb)
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Visit ASCM's FAQ page
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